ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is set to undergo a major digital transformation, with beneficiaries expected to receive financial assistance directly through their bank accounts from July 16.
During a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, BISP Secretary Amir Ahmed Ali said the programme would become fully digital to provide greater convenience to beneficiaries and eliminate long waiting queues.
He said eligible women would receive payments through their bank accounts and would be informed via messages about the transfer of funds. Beneficiaries would also be advised that withdrawing the money on the same day would not be mandatory.
The committee was informed that the new system aims to make the payment process more transparent and efficient while reducing difficulties faced by beneficiaries at payment points.
During the meeting, committee members also raised questions regarding staffing issues at BISP, noting that the organisation has been operating since 2008 but many employees, from senior officials to support staff, are working on deputation.
The additional secretary informed the committee that the matter of permanent recruitment had been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance. The committee directed authorities to follow up on the recruitment process.
The committee also instructed BISP’s six partner banks to increase the number of agents to improve access to payment services for beneficiaries.
